WO2010070298A1

WO2010070298A1 - Asymmetric modular wall panel

Info

Publication number: WO2010070298A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002921
Authority: WO
Inventors: Graham Andrew Mellish Kett
Original assignee: Keton Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-19
Filing date: 2009-12-18
Publication date: 2010-06-24
Also published as: GB2466292A; GB0823196D0

Abstract

The invention provides a panel formed of a flat back panel (2) having two opposite side edges provided with complementary joint means (5a, 7) enabling a number of such wall panels (1) to be joined, in use, side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration. An elongate decorative vertical trim member (3) is secured to the front face (24) of the back panel (2) along and overlapping a first side edge thereof to obscure, in use, the joint between adjacent such wall panels. The panel enables wall panels of an authentic traditionally framed appearance to be constructed and installed quickly, easily and economically.

Description

ASYMMETRIC MODULAR WALL PANEL

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to modular wall panels, especially modular panel assemblies to simulate traditionally framed wall panelling.

Background of the Invention

Wooden wall panelling is traditionally a framed construction comprising decoratively shaped wooden uprights, usually of complex cross section, mortised at regular intervals to accept tenons cut into both ends of a quantity of wooden horizontals of a similar cross section. The components are assembled form a grid-like framework of regularly spaced rectangles.

During assembly of the framework the perimeter edges of a quantity of individual wooden panels progressively locate into grooves in the vertical and horizontal framing thereby filling in each rectangular cavity within the grid. Alternatively frames may be rebated instead of grooved, the infill panels being added after the frame is assembled, each one subsequently retained by the addition of four mitred perimeter mouldings. Infill panels may be flat or have a raised and/or indented centre portion for decorative effect.

The method outlined above has numerous drawbacks.

1. As they cannot easily be modified during installation, wall panels constructed in this manner are generally made to fit a particular wall(s). This requires the wall(s) to be accurately surveyed prior to bespoke manufacture — the resulting lack of standardisation makes them unsuitable for volume production and therefore expensive.

2. Frameworks made from vertical and horizontal members are inherently expensive due to the relatively large amount of wood used in their construction and the considerable amount of work necessary to shape and join them.

3. Framed panelling is thick and heavy. Thick panels usually necessitate the removal of any existing skirtings and cappings and the provision of thick new ones to mask or finish their edges — further adding to the time involved and cost of installation. 4. Considerable time and a high degree of accuracy and skill is involved in the manufacture, assembly and installation of traditional panelling — thus resulting in high production costs.

5. Traditional panels are usually attached to walls using screws or pins — their visible heads subsequently have to be filled, sanded flush and finished. Thus it is impractical to pre-finish panels, necessitating in-situ finishing after all panels have been fitted and any fixings concealed — a time consuming, inconvenient, messy and expensive procedure.

A common, cheaper method of simulating framed wall panels is to machine a regular rectangular pattern of decorative grooves into a flat timber-based panel. Whilst the resulting panels approximate the appearance of raised panels within framing they too have many drawbacks:

1. Panels need to be relatively thick in order to accept grooves — thus making them expensive, heavy and difficult to handle and install.

2. The resulting appearance is not that realistic as the majority of the panel remains flat and flush — the only three-dimensional element being the grooves.

Similarly unrealistic are the radiussed corners of the grooves which result from this method of manufacture — rectangles within framed panelling traditionally have square corners.

3. As with framed panelling, grooved panelling is essentially bespoke as modifying standard panels during installation necessitates cutting through grooves - the result of which is both unsightly and unrealistic.

4. Grooved panelling usually necessitates a paint finish rather than wood or wood- effect as cutting grooves in veneered, foiled or other pre-finished board reveals the non-matching substrate.

5. The installation of thick boards generally necessitates the installation of thick new skirtings, dado rails and architraves to conceal their edges.

A further alternative means commonly used to simulate traditional wall panelling is the in-situ installation of individual proprietary framing and panelling components. These have an advantage over both framed assemblies and grooved flat panels in that the individual parts are easier to modify during Installation and can therefore be manufactured and supplied in a standardised form at reduced cost.

Componentisation however also has several drawbacks, namely:-

1. A large number of components are more complex to specify, more time consuming to fit and require a reasonable degree of skill to install to an acceptable standard.

2. Components may be supplied individually or in kit form however they are usually detailed to locate into matching capping sections and so usually necessitate the purchase and installation of new skirtings, dado rails and architraves — all of which adds to the installation time and expense.

3. As with most types of panelling wall fixings are usually required, the heads of which have to be filled, sanded and finished. Thus componentised panelling is primarily suited to post-installation finishing - a time consuming, inconvenient, messy and expensive procedure.

The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of prior art arrangements and in particular to enable wall panels of an authentic traditionally framed appearance to be constructed and installed quickly, easily and economically.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided an asymmetric modular wall panel formed of a flat back panel having two opposite side edges provided with complementary joint means enabling a number of such wall panels to be joined, in use, side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration, and an elongate decorative vertical trim member secured to the front face of the back panel along and overlapping a first side edge thereof to obscure, in use, the joint between adjacent such wall panels.

By the term "asymmetric modular wall panel" is meant that a vertical trim member is provided overlapping the first side edge of the back panel, but the other side edge is not provided with such a vertical trim member, i.e. the opposite side edge of the back panel is free of overlapping trim members. Intermediate vertical trim members secured to the back panel intermediate the side edges may be provided however, depending upon the final aesthetic effect which it is desired to create. Similarly, intermediate horizontal trim members may also be provided. In this manner, a single wall panel can have the appearance of multi-compartment panels, such as a 3 x 5 modular, subject only to the module size being manageable. While each wall panel is asymmetric in this left-to-right sense, they may be symmetrical in a top-to-bottom sense, i.e. symmetrical about a horizontal axis.

The vertical trim member preferably extends along the whole of the first side edge of the back panel, so as to obscure, in use, the whole of the joint between adjacent wall panels.

A horizontal elongate trim member may be secured to the front face of the back panel to extend horizontally from the vertical trim member towards the opposite side edge of the back panel, the horizontal elongate trim member having such a length that its distal end will contact, in use, the vertical trim member of an adjacent such wall panel, i.e. the length (L_H) of the horizontal trim member is not less than the repeating width (W_R) of the back panel less the width (W_v) of the vertical trim member. The horizontal trim member preferably has a length (L_H) greater than the repeating width (W_R) of the back panel less the width (W_v) of the vertical trim member so as to form, in use, an expansion gap between adjacent such wall panels obscured by the vertical trim member. Preferably, at least two such horizontal trim members are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal trim member(s) have a thickness different to that of the vertical trim member, most preferably thinner than the vertical trim member. Vertical and horizontal trim members are usually, though not exclusively, made from differing thicknesses of material in order to create a joint-concealing step between them — usually, though not necessarily, the vertical trim members are thicker than the horizontal ones. The total thickness of an assembled module is preferably less than the thickness of an average skirting, architrave or dado rail in order to create a joint concealing step wherever they meet.

Thus, although not essential the attachment of at least one top and one bottom horizontal trim member to a back panel is preferred as, in addition to creating a more authentic framed appearance, the ends of the horizontal trim members act as location stops for the fixed vertical on a subsequently attached wall panel — resulting in more accurate panel alignment and more regular panel spacing. Trim members may have various exposed profiles applied to them to create differing aesthetic results. Continuous exposed profiles along the entire length of a trim member are particularly suited to volume production as such trim members can be economically and conveniently manufactured in long lengths and cross-cut into individual pieces. Exposed details may also stop short of the ends of a trim member — similarly multiple intermittent exposed details on the same trim member may each stop short of the location of an abutting trim member.

Such trim members, used collectively or in combination with linear trim members, may be used to further enhance the traditional appearance of certain formats and finishes of panelling.

The complementary joint means may include a first rebate formed along the front face of the first side edge thereby to form, together with the vertical trim member, a groove. Preferably, the complementary joint means includes a second rebate formed along the back face of the opposite side edge thereby to form a tongue to insert into the groove of an adjacent such wall panel. Ideally, the width of the second rebate is less than the extent to which the vertical trim member extends beyond the first side edge of the back panel, so as to enable fixing means (such as nails, screws, staples etc.) extending through the back panel inbound of the second rebate to be obscured by the vertical trim member of an adjacent such wall panel, the fixing means preferably having heads flush with the face of the back panel.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the two side edges of all back panels are profiled, one from each side of the panel, to greater than one third but less than two thirds of the depth of the back panel, ideally approximately half of its depth. The opposing projections thus created are designed to overlap with corresponding projections on adjacent back panels. The subsequent attachment during assembly of an overlapping fixed vertical trim member forms a slot into which the corresponding projection on an adjacent wall panel may engage positively — thus preventing forward or backward movement perpendicular to the wall which could result in irregular wall panel alignment and gaps occurring at panel junctions. Projections may have a radiussed or angled profile on their leading edges to facilitate their ready engagement and be radiussed at their 'root¹ for strength. Trim members are positioned to prevent the overlapping projections of adjacent back panels from full lateral engagement - thus creating small concealed gaps between engaged wall panels to help disguise any manufacturing tolerances and to absorb any expansion caused by subsequent thermal changes or ingress of moisture.

The trim member(s) are preferably removably and replaceably secured to the back panel, for example by securing means such as divergent staples extending from the back face of the back panel. Thus, trim members are usually, though not exclusively, mechanically attached from behind through the back panel ensuring that any fixings (staples, pins, screws etc) are of sufficient length and specification to firmly attach a trim member to a back panel but of insufficient length to penetrate, and thereby spoil, a trim member's exposed face. All trim member fixings finish flush with the rear face of the back panel.

The majority of modular wall panels are installed exactly as they are as supplied - in most instances trim members do not need to be removed. Attachment of trim members is however semi-permanent as in a minority of cases there is a requirement for modular wall panels to be cut-down, scribed or otherwise modified to fit a non- modular wall dimension or around an obstacle. In these instances it is desirable to remove a trim member(s) in order to modify the trim member(s) and/or back panel independently in order to avoid damage to the exposed surface of either or both. Whilst not the only feasible fixing method the use of a quantity of divergent point staples has been found to be an economic and secure way of attaching a trim member whilst allowing, where necessary, its relatively straightforward removal. This is achieved by inserting a flat-bladed screwdriver or similar flat implement between the exposed end of the trim member and the back panel. A trim member is carefully and progressively prised off with small twisting actions along its length such that any resulting damage to the trim member and/or the back panel is restricted to the underside of the trim member and/or areas of the back panel immediately below the trim member or to those areas subsequently concealed by the attachment of an adjacent module or finishing trim member. Any projecting staples thus exposed are either extracted from behind the panel or bent over flush with its front face such that a modified trim member may be returned to rest flush in its original position. In doing so it then covers any fixing holes or previously bent over fixings and conceals any panel damage caused during its removal. The wall panel according to the invention may include further complementary joint means enabling a number of such panels to be joined, in use, top-to-bottom in a vertically sequential planar configuration. The further complementary joint means preferably comprise a groove formed between the back face of the vertical trim member, adjacent an end thereof and the front face of the back panel. Thus, to retain the ability to invert a wall panel the slot/rebate locations are required in both the tops and bottoms of modular wall panels — these may be situated in the top and bottom horizontal trim members or locally in both ends of the usually thicker and stronger vertical trim members. Furthermore situating the locations in the ends of vertical trim members guarantees their presence as modular wall panels may not necessarily have horizontal trim members.

Provided it is thin and strong the bridging element between a wall panel and a top capping can take many forms as, once inserted, it cannot be seen. Standard woodworking connecting 'biscuits' however make a cost effective, robust, readily available and easy-to-insert linking element and this is therefore the preferred method.

When combined with existing skirtings any locations in the bottom edge of modular wall panels remain unused. However they are used when modular wall panels link with new slotted skirtings — the addition of connecting 'biscuits' further improving the alignment and strength of an installation.

To achieve a divided appearance or to rationalise the number of wall panel heights or to cover very tall walls, modular wall panels may be mounted one above another. In this instance a horizontal rail, slotted in both its lower and upper faces, is usually positioned between them — biscuits connecting it to the modular wall panels both above and below.

The addition of timber-based modular panels to a wall increases its thermal efficiency. The addition of a thin layer of rigid insulating foam covering the rear face of back panels prior to their attachment to a wall can be used to further increase this — such 'composite' panels being of particular benefit for lining the interior face of exterior walls. Provided the thickness of insulated modular wall panels does not become excessive they could still be used with existing skirtings and architraves - a significant thickness of insulation for even greater thermal efficiency would necessitate new and thicker skirtings and architraves. Insulated modular wall panels would constitute a quick, easy and cost-effective means of simultaneously insulating and finishing a 'cold' wall.

While the wall panel may be formed of synthetic materials, we prefer that at least the back panel and the vertical trim member are formed of a timber material, including veneered and foiled timber.

A method of panelling a wall by use of a plurality of asymmetric modular wall panels according to the invention may include the steps of: securing a first such wall panel to the wall by securing means passing through the back panel thereof adjacent its opposite side edge; and joining another such wall panel to the first wall panel side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration by means of the complementary joint means such that the vertical trim member of the next wall panel obscures the securing means.

The method may further include the initial steps of: removing the vertical trim member from the first wall panel; securing the first wall panel to the wall by securing means passing through the back panel thereof adjacent its first side edge; and replacing the removed vertical trim member to obscure the securing means.

Where a horizontal elongate trim member is secured to the front face of the back panel to extend horizontally from the vertical trim member towards the opposite side edge of the back panel, the method may further include the steps of removing the horizontal trim member from the back panel of that wall panel; cutting the removed horizontal trim member to a desired length; cutting the back panel of that wall panel to a desired width; replacing the cut horizontal trim member onto the cut back panel; and fixing the so modified wall panel to the wall.

Individual modular wall panels are usually progressively bonded to a wall with suitable proprietary adhesive. Mechanical fixings used to hold a module in place whilst the adhesive dries may optionally be inserted flush adjacent the opposite side edge of the back panel. Optionally mechanical fixings only may be used. The overlapping vertical trim member of the subsequently applied module conceals the flush heads of any fixings used. The trailing side edge of the final module in a run of progressively applied modular wall panels is covered by a separate matching vertical trim member individually bonded into position. These features collectively enable modular wall panels to be supplied fully finished resulting in a faster, cleaner installation and a more consistent final appearance achievable with less skill — thus significantly reducing the overall cost.

The ends of both vertical and horizontal trim members are preferably square-cut for easy and accurate manufacture. This feature also enables them, where necessary, to be readily modified on installation using only basic hand tools. The ends of all trim members are concealed during module assembly or during installation, usefully allowing the ends to remain unfinished — a feature particularly suited to the use of veneered and foiled trim members having only a very thin decorative covering over an unattractive substrate.

Thus, the invention relates to the manufacture and attachment of modifiable, three- dimensional, modular wall panel assemblies of diverse pattern, size and finish used individually or in multiples to simulate the authentic appearance of traditionally framed wall panelling suitable for, although not restricted to, the covering of domestic and commercial interior walls (and ceilings) and for film, TV, theatre, photographic and shop window backgrounds.

In a preferred embodiment, each module comprises a thin rectangular back panel with a regular arrangement of securely attached, yet removable, vertical and horizontal trim members surface-mounted on its front face to simulate the appearance of framing. The thickness of the back panel is preferably between 3 mm and 18 mm, such as about 6 mm. Additional thin decorative panels or mitred frames may optionally be mounted centrally in a rectangle bounded by the vertical and horizontal trim members to simulate the appearance of traditional raised panelling.

Raised panels may be attached or re-attached to back panels by various means including, though not restricted to, glue, adhesive tape and mechanical fixings - used individually or in combination. A simple template may be used to assist in aligning the panel centrally. This method of creating a raised panel appearance is mainly suited to unfinished modular wall panels intended for painting after installation rather than pre-finished, wood or wood-effect finishes.

An alternative method of creating modular wall panels of a raised appearance is to attach a mitred surface-mounted frame centrally in a framed rectangle with adhesive, adhesive tape and/or mechanical fixings, preferably from behind. Frames would be attached by the installer - any frames requiring modification being easy to cut down with simple hand tools, their freshly mitred corners being concealed on assembly. The advantage of this method is that it enables both panels and frames to be supplied fully finished, including wood and wood-effect finishes as well as plain colours and paint.

Modular wall panels may be of variable modular height and width according to the number and size of rectangular framed compartments in each. Modular wall panels of single compartment width in a range of multiple compartment heights are favoured as even the taller modular wall panels remain a manageable size and weight to manufacture, transport, merchandise and install. A vertical and optionally one or more horizontal face trim members may be arranged in various configurations to achieve differing aesthetic appearances, However all modular wall panels share the common feature of a single, fixed, full height vertical trim member overlapping one vertical panel edge — usually, though not exclusively, with a number of short fixed horizontal trim members abutting it.

The preferred modular panel assemblies according to the invention are specifically configured for ease of modification during installation which enables them to be manufactured and supplied with standardised modular dimensions and details — thus avoiding the time and expense involved specifying and manufacturing a bespoke or componentised product.

Furthermore the preferred wall panels have been specifically configured to be as thin as is practicable — thus enabling them to be installed without the necessity to change existing skirtings and architraves. This makes them particularly suited to refurbishment and DIY applications. Additionally, being thin their material content is low — thus saving on both cost and weight. Being relatively light each panel module is easy to handle and, where necessary, modify. When covering a wall fully from one side to the other the use of standard width modular wall panels usually necessitates one or both end modular wall panels in a run of modular wall panels to be modified to achieve an exact fit. Non-modular heights may achieved by modifying the height of each wall panel.

Tall modular wall panels with one vertical, but without any horizontals pre-attached, enable wall panelling to be applied to the side walls of stairways. During installation such modular wall panels are cut top and bottom at an angle to match that of the stairway - as are loose lengths of horizontal trim member in order to create angle- ended pieces for attachment to the angle-cut modular wall panels as installation progresses.

As a location is not essential between modular wall panels and skirtings any existing skirtings may optionally be retained. Installing modular wall panels does usually require the provision of a new top capping — depending on the wall panel height this can take the form of a dado rail, a coat hook rail, a picture rail, a plate shelf or a cornice. A means of engagement between modular wall panels and the top capping is desirable as it further helps to align the modular wall panels and contributes to the strength of the finished installation — particularly if the top capping is mechanically fixed to the wall. Three distinct methods have been identified as means of achieving a suitable wall panel-to-top cap engagement:

1. A portion of the back panel or a vertical trim member or a top horizontal trim member is extended upwards such that it engages into a slot or rebate in the bottom face of the top capping.

2. The top capping is profiled to create a downward projecting portion which engages into a slot or rebate in the wall panel.

3. A separate connecting element bridges between corresponding slots or rebates in both wall panel and top capping.

All three methods are feasible however Method (3) is preferred as the absence of a permanent projection makes cappings easier and more cost-effective to manufacture and allows modular wall panels to be inverted — thus enabling them to be progressively installed left-to-right or right-to-left. The lack of a permanent projection also allows modular wall panels to be used with existing and proprietary skirtings and architraves whilst avoiding the inconvenience, and risk of damage to the wall panel, in having to remove such a projection.

In a modification of the present invention, wall panels can be provided to enable a vertical sequence of panels to be created. Identical panels to those already described are used, their orientation being simply rotated through 90°.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a view of an assembled wall panel according to the invention alongside a corresponding exploded view of its components plus examples of an additive decorative raised panel and an additive decorative raised mitred frame;

Figure 2 is a broken plan view of two modular wall panels, one attached to a wall, the other shown separate immediately prior to installation;

Figure 3 is a broken plan view of the junction between two adjacent installed modular wall panels engaged with one another and attached to a wall, and also the location of a typical vertical finishing trim member (shown hatched for clarity) at the end of a run of modular wall panels;

Figure 4 is a broken elevation of a wall showing modular wall panels both partially and fully covering a wall and the location of decorative mouldings above and below;

Figure 5 is a partial view of the wall panel showing the means in which a face trim member may be removed for the independent modification of the trim member and/or back panel;

Figure 6 is an exploded partial view from behind two wall panels located one above the other, with an intermediate horizontal moulding; and

Figure 7 is a broken plan view of two composite insulated adjacent modular wall panels bonded and mechanically fixed to a wall.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described, by way of example (but not limited) with reference to the particular embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 5 an embodiment of the invention relates to modular asymmetric wall panels 1 each comprising a back panel 2 with, semi-permanently mounted on its front surface, vertical and horizontal elongate decorative trim members 3 and 4 respectively, each of a profile, pattern and scale similar to that of framing found on traditionally constructed wall panelling.

Each wall panel is formed of a flat back panel 2, left and right opposite side edges 20, 22 respectively.

The vertical trim member 3 is secured to the front face 24 of the back panel 2 along and overlapping the left hand side edge 20 of back panel. The vertical trim member extends along the whole of the side edge.

The right hand side edge 22 of the back panel 2 is free of overlapping trim members. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the side edges of a back panel are profiled to create a pair of opposing projections 5a, 5b. Specifically, a rebate 30 is formed along the front face 24 of the left hand side edge 20 thereby to form a groove 7 together with the vertical trim member 3. A rebate 32 is formed along the back face of the right hand side edge 22 thereby to form a tongue 5a to insert into the groove 7 of the adjacent such wall panel 1. The tongue 5a and the groove 7 together form complementary joint elements enabling a number of the wall panels 1 to be joined, in use, side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration, as shown in Figure 4. The width of the second rebate 32 is less than the extent to which the vertical trim member 3 extends beyond the left hand side edge 20 of the back panel 2, so as to enable mechanical fixings (fixing nails 9 in the illustrated embodiment) extending through the back panel 2 inbound of the second rebate 32 to be obscured by the vertical trim member 3 of the adjacent such wall panel 1. To assist engagement the leading edges of the projections 5a, 5b are radiussed as at 6 such that they more readily pass over one another, and optionally radiussed at their root 47 for additional strength.

Three horizontal elongate trim members 4 are secured to the front face 24 of the back panel 2. Each horizontal trim member 4 extends horizontally from the vertical trim member 3 towards the right hand side edge 22 of the back panel 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal trim members 4 are thinner than the vertical trim member 3. Each horizontal trim member 4 has such a length L_H greater than the repeating width W_R of the back panel 2 less the width W_v of the vertical trim member 3 so that its distal end 28 contacts the vertical trim member 3 of an adjacent such wall panel 1 as to form an expansion gap 8 between adjacent such wall panels obscured by the vertical trim member 3 (see Figure 3).

The trim members 3, 4 are removably and replaceably secured to the back panel

2 by divergent staples, one of which 34 is shown in Figure 2, extending from the back face 42 of the back panel 2. As shown in Figure 5 horizontal face trim members 4 are removable in order that they, and the back panel 2, may be modified independently. This is achieved by the insertion of a screwdriver 18 or similar flat-bladed implement between the exposed end of the trim member and the back panel. The trim member is then carefully and progressively prised off with small twisting actions of the implement along its length such that any resulting damage to trim member and/or back panel is restricted to areas subsequently concealed. Vertical trim members 3 may be similarly removed.

As illustrated in Figure 3 modular wall panels are applied progressively and bonded to a wall with a suitable adhesive 10 and/or held in place with nails 9. The method of panelling a wall by use of a plurality of the illustrated asymmetric modular wall panels includes the following steps.

Firstly, the vertical trim member 3 is removed from the left hand wall panel 1. This wall panel 1 is secured to the wall by nails 9 passing through the back panel 2 thereof adjacent its left hand side edge 20, the nails having heads flush with the front face 24 of the back panel. The removed vertical trim member 3 is replaced to obscure the flush exposed heads of the nails 9.

In a second step, the wall panel 1 is then secured to the wall by nails 9 passing through the back panel 2 thereof adjacent its right hand side edge 22 (see Figure 2). The next said wall panel 1 is joined to the first said wall panel 1 side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration by means of the tongue and groove joint 5a, 7 such that the vertical trim member 3 of the second wall panel 1 obscures the nails 9. The tongue 5a engages sufficiently in the groove 7 to prevent movement perpendicular to the wall. However, full lateral engagement is prevented as the vertical trim member

3 on one wall panel butts up against the ends 28 of the horizontal trim members 4 on the other wall panel. In this manner concealed gaps 8 are created behind the vertical trim member 3 to help disguise any manufacturing tolerances and absorb any expansion caused by subsequent thermal changes or ingress of moisture.

This step is repeated up to and including the penultimate wall panel in the row.

In a final step, the horizontal trim members 4 are then removed from the back panel 2 of the last wall panel. Each removed horizontal trim member 4 is cut to a desired length. The back panel 2 of the wall panel from which the horizontal trim member 4 has been removed is also cut to a desired width. Each cut horizontal trim member is replaced onto the cut back panel. Finally, the so modified wall panel is fixed to the wall, as in the second step.

At the end of a run of panels a thicker, similarly profiled, vertical finishing trim member 17 is bonded in position to cover any visible fixings used on the final wall panel and to complete the framed appearance.

Referring back to Figure 1 , thin surface mounted decorative panels 15 and decorative frames 16 are applied within the areas bounded by the vertical and horizontal face trim members to simulate the appearance of traditional raised panelling.

As shown in Figure 4 a quantity of modular wall panels may be used to partially 11 or fully 12 cover a wall. The modular wall panels may be used in conjunction with existing or new decorative top and bottom mouldings 13, 14 positive engagement of new ones assisting alignment and further increasing the mechanical strength of an installation.

As shown in Figure 6, a groove 36 is formed between the back face 38 of the vertical trim member 3 adjacent an upper end 40 thereof and the front face 24 of the back panel 2. The groove 36 enables a number of such panels to be joined, in use, top-to- bottom in a vertically sequential planar configuration.

Thus, a biscuit 44 may be inserted between the groove 36 and a similar groove 36a formed between the back face of the vertical trim member of the next vertically adjacent wall panel adjacent its lower end 41 and the front face of the back panel of that wall panel. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, an intermediate moulding 46 is provided, to be located between vertically adjacent wall panels, the moulding 46 having grooves 48 formed in its upper and lower faces, which grooves accept biscuits 44 to securely link the intermediate moulding to both wall panels.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a layer 19 of insulating material is secured to the back face 42 of the back panel 2. The insulating layer attached to the rear face of the back panels is shown hatched for clarity. Such composite insulated modular wall panels may be attached to walls with suitable adhesive 10 and/or mechanically fixed in the same manner as the wall panels without insulation.

Equivalents It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the specific embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the principles underlying the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

Claims

1. An asymmetric modular wall panel formed of a flat back panel (2) having two opposite side edges (20, 22) provided with complementary joint means (5a, 7) enabling a number of such wall panels (1) to be joined, in use, side-by-side in a horizontally sequential configuration, and an elongate decorative vertical trim member (3) secured to the front face (24) of the back panel (2) along and overlapping a first side edge (20) thereof to obscure, in use, the joint between adjacent such wall panels.

2. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 1 , wherein the opposite side edge (22) of the back panel (2) is free of overlapping trim members.

3. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one horizontal elongate trim member (4) is secured to the front face (24) of the back panel (2) to extend horizontally from said vertical trim member (3) towards the opposite side edge (22) of the back panel (2), said horizontal elongate trim member having such a length that its distal end (28) will contact, in use, the vertical trim member (3) of an adjacent such wall panel (1).

4. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 3, wherein said horizontal trim member (4) has a length (L_H) greater than the repeating width (W_R) of the back panel (2) less the width (W_v) of the vertical trim member (3) so as to form, in use, an expansion gap (8) between adjacent such wall panels obscured by said vertical trim member (3).

5. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least two said horizontal trim members (4) are provided.

6. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any of claims 3, 4 and 5, wherein said horizontal trim member(s) (4) have a thickness different to that of said vertical trim member (3).

7. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any preceding claim, wherein said complementary joint means include a first rebate (30) formed along the front face (24) of said first side edge (20) thereby to form, together with the vertical trim member (3), a groove (7).

8. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 7, wherein said complementary joint means includes a second rebate (32) formed along the back face of said opposite side edge (22) thereby to form a tongue (5a) to insert into the groove (7) of an adjacent such wall panel (1).

9. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 8, wherein the width of the second rebate (32) is less than the extent to which the vertical trim member (3) extends beyond the first side edge (20) of the back panel (2), so as to enable fixing means (9) extending through the back panel (2) inbound of the second rebate (32) to be obscured by the vertical trim member (3) of an adjacent such wall panel (1), the fixing means preferably having heads flush with the face of the back panel.

10. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any preceding claim, wherein said trim member(s) (3, 4) are removably and replaceably secured to said back panel (2).

11. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 7, wherein said trim member(s) (3, 4) are secured to said back panel (2) by securing means (34) extending from the back face (42) of said back panel (2).

12. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 11 , wherein said securing means comprise divergent staples (34).

13. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any preceding claim, including further complementary joint means (36, 44) enabling a number of such panels to be joined, in use, top-to-bottom in a vertically sequential planar configuration.

14. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to claim 13, wherein said further complementary joint means includes a groove (36) formed between the back face (38) of the vertical trim member (3), adjacent an end (40) thereof and the front face (24) of the back panel (2).

15. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any preceding claim, wherein a layer (19) of insulating material is secured to the back face (42) of the back panel (2).

16. An asymmetric modular wall panel according to any preceding claim, wherein at least the back panel and the vertical trim member are formed of a timber material.

17. A method of panelling a wall by use of a plurality of asymmetric modular wall panels according to any preceding claim, including the steps of: securing a first said wall panel (1) to the wall by securing means (9) passing through the back panel (2) thereof adjacent its opposite side edge (22); and joining a next said wall panel (1) to the first said wall panel (1) side-by- side in a horizontally sequential configuration by means of said complementary joint means (5a, 7) such that the vertical trim member (3) of said next wall panel (1) obscures said securing means (9).

18. A method according to claim 17, further including the initial steps of: removing the vertical trim member (3) from the first said wall panel (1); securing the first said wall panel (1) to the wall by securing means (9) passing through the back panel (2) thereof adjacent its first side edge (20); and replacing said removed vertical trim member (3) to obscure said securing means (9).

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, where a horizontal elongate trim member (4) is secured to the front face (24) of the back panel (2) to extend horizontally from said vertical trim member (3) towards the opposite side edge (22) of the back panel (2), the method further including the steps of removing the horizontal trim member (4) from the back panel (2) of one of said wall panels (1); cutting the removed horizontal trim member (4) to a desired length; cutting the back panel (2) of the wall panel from which the horizontal trim member (4) has been removed to a desired width; replacing the cut horizontal trim member onto the cut back panel (2); and fixing the so modified wall panel to the wall.